Trustees Re-Evaluate Gu Head Leadership Of University On Board’s Agenda

It’s been only a year since the Rev. Edward Glynn became Gonzaga University’s 24th president, but the seasoned Jesuit administrator may already be in trouble with some of his bosses.

Glynn’s performance will be examined today by Gonzaga’s board of trustees, an independent, 29-member group that has the power to hire and fire the university’s president.

Glynn’s relationship with some of the board members has been a rocky one, four university sources say.

At the heart of their disagreement is a “personality conflict,” said a Gonzaga employee who asked for anonymity.

“Some members of the board aren’t happy with him,” the employee said.

On Thursday, about 45 faculty members met to draft a letter of support for Glynn.

They were told during the meeting that an emissary representing some trustees had approached Glynn after Sunday’s commencement ceremonies to ask him to resign or be fired, university sources said.

James Jundt, a longtime Gonzaga benefactor and chairman of the trustees, refused to comment on Glynn’s status with the board. Other trustees did confirm that “the subject of leadership” is on the agenda of today’s meeting.

Glynn would not comment on the developments.

The tension between Glynn and board members comes at a time when the university is increasing its efforts to raise money. Its goal is to build a $100 million endowment fund by the year 2000. Last year, the fund - used for scholarships and professor positions - was at $68 million.

Glynn, 61, replaced the Rev. Bernard Coughlin, a Jesuit who became university chancellor after 22 years, as president.

The charismatic Coughlin was credited with increasing the university’s endowment fund. During his tenure, the fund grew from $9.6 million to $71 million in 1995.

He also oversaw the construction of six buildings, including the Rosauer Center for Education and the Jundt Art Center and Museum.

Since his arrival on campus, Glynn’s biggest commitment has been to improving racial diversity. He also pledged to continue a strong athletic program and build the endowment fund to keep the cost of tuition affordable.

Black students at Gonzaga’s law school have been the targets of racist mail and phone calls for the past three years. In past interviews and during community forums, Glynn has expressed his outrage over the hate crimes and his determination to improve campus diversity by hiring faculty of color.

Glynn’s connection with Gonzaga goes back to 1977, when he served as academic vice president for two years. He left the university to become president of St. Peter’s College, another Jesuit institution in New Jersey. Before coming to Gonzaga, Glynn was the chief administrator for Jesuit activities in several Eastern states.

A Jesuit since 1955, Glynn has been described by faculty members and students as open-minded, willing to listen and full of energy.

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